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| Address: | Sycamore & Miller Streets |
|
| Founded: | 1908 | |
| Closed: | 1993 | |
| School: | Closed in 1985 | |
| Year Built: | 1930 | |
| Style: | Byzantine Style | |
| Records At: | Diocesan Archives |
| Back to PGSNYS Home Page | Polish Parishes in WNY Index |
| Address: | Sycamore & Miller Streets |
|
| Founded: | 1908 | |
| Closed: | 1993 | |
| School: | Closed in 1985 | |
| Year Built: | 1930 | |
| Style: | Byzantine Style | |
| Records At: | Diocesan Archives |
Because of the continous growth of the Polish settlement in the Buffalo area, there existed a need for more churches to serve the community. The expansion north of Kantowo (St John Kanty area) and east of Wojciechowo (St Adalbert area) resulted in the establishment of St. Luke Parish in 1908. Bishop Colton appointed the Rev. Leopold Stein to organize a new parish along Sycamore Street and west of Bailey Avenue.
Using a structure on land purchased on Oberlin and Sycamore, Fr. Stein established a temporary school and built a wood frame church. The first class of students entered the Felician run school in Sept 1908 and the same month the cornerstone for a combination church/school building was blessed by the Bishop. Because of age and illness, Rev. Stein retired and was replaced by the young and energetic priest, Rev. Stanislaw Fimowicz, who for 36 years shepherded the new parish.
With continuos growth seen in the future of the parish, it was decided to begin a building campaign for a new church. More property was purchased and in 1927 work began on the present structure at Sycamore and Oberlin Streets, in a brick Romanesque style. The combination building was remodeled to accommodate the growing numbers of students in the parochial school. The beloved Fr. Fimowicz died in 1950 and was suceeded by Fr. Szmytkowski who remained 3 years. During the pastorate of Fr. Max Bogacki, the parish observed its golden anniversary.
During the 1960s, the neighborhood began to feel the winds of change blow across the neighborhood. School attendance began to decrease and in 1985 the school was closed forcing the few families with children to send their children elsewhere. After 85 years of service to God and the community, the day arrived that many feared; the Diocese of Buffalo in 1993 announced that amongst others, St. Luke Church would be closed. The final Mass drew a huge crowd of old parishioners and community activists but their support and good wishes came too late.